Dear Reader,
It’s the end of the semester. Classes are beginning to wrap up, finals are approaching and warmer weather ushers in dreams of the nearing summer. For many MU students — myself included — this time signifies the completion of our first year of college.
Freshman year can be a life-changing experience. Many of us were thrust into an entirely new environment with new people, ideas and responsibilities. Now that the year is almost over, we all have probably taken the time to reflect on what we wish we had known a year ago.
No matter who you are or how far along you are into college, make the most of your experience by possibly implementing the following advice:
Students walk around the Columns on Wednesday, April 20th, 2022 to enjoy the nice weather at the University of Missouri-Columbia.1. Go to events
The first few days on campus you will be greeted with a neverending list of possible events you can attend. Read through them and take note of the ones that interest you. You might end up finding new hobbies and joining organizations. Welcome Week is the best time to go to as many as you want since you don’t have homework to worry about yet. Then, during the year, take advantage of the free events, because these are great ways to meet new people and take a break from classes.
2. You will question your choice of major; you might change it and that is okay.
It is not practical to believe that you know, 100% for certain, what you want to study right out of high school. If you do, that is great, but do not feel like it is too late to change it. If you find yourself enjoying another field of study more, or just decide the one you originally chose is not for you, consider reevaluating your choice. Do not be afraid to reach out to any advisors in different departments. Take classes that interest you your freshman year while also fulfilling basic requirements, then, later on, you can settle on a major.
3. Meet new people
Don’t overthink interactions or stress about what people think of you. Talk to everyone you meet the first week of school, even if you don’t end up hanging out or becoming good friends. You might run into them on campus and see familiar faces. Find some people in each class to talk to. It will make these classes more bearable and help you in the long run if you have group projects or questions about anything related to the class. If you meet someone in a class that shares your major, you might even have more classes with them in the future. It doesn’t matter how, but eventually you will make some friends, so don’t sweat it.
4. Ask questions
Being thrown into a new town and independent life can be a difficult learning curve to get used to. As a first-generation college student myself, I had more questions than I could remember. My best advice is to ask anyone, anything. There are so many students and faculty who will know more on certain aspects of campus life and your academics than you at times, and if you simply ask around, you will get an answer. No question is too “stupid” or unnecessary. You will not be judged and most people will be glad to help out.
5. Party culture isn’t everything
If you are overwhelmed with keeping up with your social life or have a fear of missing out, or “FOMO,” take time for yourself too. Even if you think you are missing out, you may thank yourself later for giving yourself time to relax and recharge after a long week. You will have so many opportunities to go out on the weekends, and it is perfectly okay to do so, but make sure to take care of yourself and not overdo it.
6. Change will happen
If you are anything like me, you might hate change, but it is unfortunately inevitable when making the leap between high school and college. The trick is to embrace the change as quickly as you can, because you might find that it’s not all that bad. You’ll probably miss home, your friends at other schools and maybe your old routine, but it’s better to welcome new things in life. The first couple weeks or months may be difficult, but eventually you will likely feel content.
7. Explore local areas
One of the most exciting parts about going off to college is gaining more independence. When you get released from a class early or have a large break between engagements, you can do whatever you want. If you are not from Columbia, spend those free hours every once in a while trying new places. After class, grab lunch with a friend at a new restaurant downtown, or go treat yourself to something at a small business.
8. Take advice, but also trust your gut
This may sound counterproductive given this is an advice column, but throughout your first year, you are going to hear so many different opinions, tips and tricks to navigating college life. Sometimes too much advice can be overwhelming. If you are trying to make a decision, whether it involves something trivial like where to eat lunch on campus or a big decision like changing your major, it is always a great idea to ask for several thoughts on the choices. However, at a certain point, you need to step back and evaluate what you believe is best for you and your future at college. At the end of the day, you know yourself best.
9. Make the most of it
Take in your first year because it will pass by much quicker than you think. You’re going to have some great days and also really hard ones, but you can handle anything. This moment in your life is a big change, so do not forget to reach out for support if you need it. Take time to enjoy your freshman year experience, meet new people and open your mind to new ideas.
At the end of the day, semester or year, you will have made some memories of your first year as a college student along the way, so take it in and try to enjoy your time here while it lasts.
Have a great summer and take it easy,
Abigail Henshaw
Edited by Bri Davis | bdavis@themaneater.com
Students at the University of Missouri-Columbia sit outside near the Student Center in the nice sunny weather on Wednesday, April 20th, 2022.